TASER International announced that the United Kingdom government intends to fund 10,000 TASER X26 Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) for police officers in England and Wales, now that a successful pilot program has concluded.

United Kingdom Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said, "I am proud that we have one of the few police services around the world that do not regularly carry firearms. And I want to keep it that way. But every day the police put themselves in danger to protect us, the public. They deserve our support, so I want to give the police the tools they tell me they need to confront dangerous people. That is why I am giving the police 10,000 TASERs (ECDs) to ensure that officers across the country benefit from this form of defense."

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, thanked the Home Secretary for "listening to our call for the further roll out of TASERs (ECDs)."

"We are encouraged to see the UK's intent to expand the availability of our life-saving technology," commented Rick Smith, CEO and Founder of TASER International. "We look forward to supporting the UK in the rollout."

For more information visit www.TASER.com .